Red Sea International Film Festival Shines Spotlight on Arab Cinema
The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has curated a five-film collection for its Arab Spectacular section, showcasing the world premieres of three Saudi titles that delve into societal changes in the Kingdom.
Empowering Arab Filmmakers
Antoine Khalife, director of Arab Programs & Film Classics for the RSIFF, expressed the importance of elevating Arab stories on the global stage. Khalife stated, “We know that our stories and the quality of the way we tell them deserve a place alongside other international films, which is why we are working hard to support and nurture our region’s filmmakers, providing them with a prestigious platform to present their work to international audiences, and facilitating networking opportunities with industry leaders.”
Saudi Films Making Waves
One of the Saudi films featured in the lineup is “My Driver and I,” the directorial debut of Saudi creative Ahd Kamel. Set in 1980s and 90s Jeddah, the film explores the friendship between a rebellious Saudi girl and her Sudanese driver, which is put to the test as she takes the wheel.
“Hobal,” directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, follows a Bedouin family forced to live in isolation in the desert during the 1990s due to fear of an infectious disease.
The highly-anticipated “Lail Nahar,” directed by Abdulaziz Almuzaini, known for the popular Saudi TV series and movie “Masameer,” tells the story of a renowned opera singer who faces backlash for accusations of racism and announces plans to marry a black woman, leading to unexpected twists and connections.
Diverse Selection
Completing the Arab Spectacular selection are Algerian filmmaker Merzak Allouache’s dramedy “Front Row,” focusing on a feud between matriarchs at the beach, and Egyptian director Omar Bakry’s “Abdo & Saneya,” a silent, black-and-white film following an Egyptian couple navigating life in New York City in search of a cure for infertility.